The Straw that Saved the Camel’s Back

Thursday, August 21

By Cindy L. Korf of North Platte, Nebraska, USA

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. …So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. …As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. …May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

—Galatians 6:2, 10, 16, 18 NRSV

There is a saying, “It was the straw that broke the camel’s back.” This suggests that one too many burdens can break a person. Many times we may feel loaded with one “straw” too many. Other times someone may remove that “one-too-many straw” by sharing our burdens. Such a time occurred for me.

After an endless and exhausting list of tasks on my “to do” list, mowing the huge church lawn with the push mower in the heat of the summer afternoon was the dreaded “straw.” When I arrived at the church, however, another family was already there, mowing with a large riding mower. I doubt the family knew how much sharing this task meant. It was a blessing, and it saved this camel’s back.

Sharing a burden might appear only as an insignificant task—small and light as a straw. But it could be the significant straw that saves us.

Prayer for Peace Loving God, who sent a Savior to ease our burdens, we would ease burdens also. Help us be mindful of opportunities to share sorrows, to live life with the suffering, to uplift spirits by sharing Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Abolish Poverty, End Suffering Read and reflect on John 21:15–17 as a meditation. Direct your mind to places where people have no homes. Think of the wars and natural disasters that destroy the homes of refugees. Be aware of the hungry and homeless, who wander the streets or live in shelters. Let the images fill your mind. Offer a prayer for those who suffer. Imagine Christ tending those sheep. Think of ways you might end their suffering as part of your mission. Throughout the day, carry in your mind the voice of Christ saying, “Feed my lambs…tend my sheep…feed my sheep.”

Peace Covenant Today, God, I will be the hands of Jesus for a burdened soul.